Final Draft 12-31-95
Revised May 1997
Functional Considerations
Narrative
OPERATIONS:
Services:
Radiographic Process:
Radiology Imaging Services may be organized as
The process begins with patient arrival where
one central department which serves emergency,
patient appointments are scheduled and records
outpatients, and inpatients or as separate facilities
are initiated within the patient reception and
for inpatients and outpatients.
scheduling area.
If critical access to the main department is not
The patients are directed or escorted to procedure
possible or stat availability cannot be assured
rooms where examination and radiographic or
satellite facilities may be implemented as is
fluoroscopic imaging exposure takes place
frequently the case with Emergency Services.
If image is processed by digital electronic image
Satellite facilities may be justified to serve the
processing or by the development of a radiographic
diagnostic needs of a special center of excellence if
film.
this can be coordinated with associated and
complimentary diagnostic services to assure quality
The film record or electronic image is coded for
of patient care.
patient identification and reviewed for image
quality.
Imaging Process
After the quality assurance process has confirmed
Diagnostic Imaging is performed on Inpatients and
the quality of the image the patient is released from
outpatient on a regular and scheduled basis.
Radiology Service.
Services are performed on an unscheduled or stat
Films and hard copies of electronic images are
basis for emergency patients.
batched and delivered to radiologist offices /
viewing areas for interpretation.
Stat inpatient diagnostic procedures are performed
within the department and outside of the
Interpretation of electronic images may also involve
department with portable equipment.
computerized image enhancement in computer
workrooms housing image manipulation consoles.
The Imaging Process for all procedures except
ultrasound utilize x-rays to create film or digital
Current films are sometimes available in alternators
images of structures or media which are opaque to
for physician viewing and consultation with the
X-rays.
radiologists.
The image may be enhanced electronically,
Diagnostic results are communicated to the
recorded on video. stored on tape and reproduced
ordering physician and entered into the patient
as a laser image for paper or film copy.
records.
Image records are stored locally where they are
available for retrieval for consultation and follow up
exam comparisons.
VA DESIGN GUIDE
RADIOLOGY SERVICE
PAGE 2 -2
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